St. Paul: Chase ends in fiery crash injuring two

St. Paul firefighters work to contain a vehicle fire aftertwo vehicles collided at Dale Street and Minnehaha Avenue about 12:30 a.m. Saturday. (Photo special to the Pioneer Press: Peter Matthews)

One man was arrested after a police chase ended in a fiery crash in St. Paul early Saturday, March 30, resulting in "substantial" injuries to the man and a woman in another vehicle.

The chase ended just after 12:30 a.m. at Dale Street and Minnehaha Avenue, according to Roseville police.

The incident began in Roseville when police tried to stop a Hyundai Elantra on Minnesota 36 near Victoria Street. The driver took the Dale Street exit and continued driving "without making any attempt to stop for the squad's emergency lights and siren," police said.

The chase lasted for about three miles before the driver ran a red light and broadsided an SUV traveling east on Minnehaha Avenue. The report said the Elantra was going about 60 mph.

The SUV immediately burst into flames. A 28-year-old St. Paul woman was conscious but trapped inside the SUV. Police freed her, and she was taken to a hospital with substantial injuries that weren't life-threatening, according to police.

The driver of the Elantra, Florencio Cordero, 33, of St. Paul was found in his car, screaming in pain and trapped, police said.

Cordero had to be extricated by St. Paul firefighters. He was taken to a hospital, and his injuries also were described as "substantial."

Police are forwarding the case to prosecutors for possible charges. If charged, Cordero could face two felonies related to criminal vehicular injury and fleeing a police officer resulting in bodily injury, according to authorities.

Advertisement

Anyone with information about Cordero's whereabouts prior to the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-8477 or text-a-tip to "Tip674 plus your tip" to 274637.